9 reasons you’ll love life in Laval

By Stephanie Boucher
October 09, 2015

There’s a misconception that the city of Laval is one big farmland. While there are farms in some of the neighbourhoods, one drive around Île Jésus will be enough to convince you otherwise. Here are nine reasons you’ll love life in Laval.

There are lots of parks… LOTS

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Laval is home to hundreds of parks. There are waterfront parks with stunning views, and parks with playgrounds and pools. Centre de la nature is the largest park in the area, spanning over 50 hectares, and it includes long paths, a lake where you can canoe, a pony carousel and more!

Only a short drive from Montreal

Laval-des-Rapides - Planes, trains, automobiles

Laval is only a short drive away from Montreal, and public transit options are more than plentiful. Montreal is easily accessible by commuter train, bus and metro. Laval also has its own transit system, so you can get to where you want to go with ease.

Shopping

Ste-Dorothée - in the area

In Laval, you can shop until you drop. Laval is home to many shopping centres, including Carrefour Laval. People come from near and far for fabulous finds at the popular shopping destination. You’ll find anything from large department stores to high-end boutiques, as well as a few bars and restaurants. The next destination is the Centropolis, an outdoor complex with gourmet eats and a cinema.

Quiet and serene

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While there are very central and busy parts in Laval, other areas are quiet and serene. Some areas, like Laval-sur-le-Lac and Saint-François are purely residential and offer their residents peace, quiet and beautiful scenery.

Lots of entertainment

Golf St-François

While some areas are quiet and residential, entertainment is never very far away. There are many courses for golf aficionados, and a few places for mini-putt (for those less skilled). You can also learn to surf at the popular Maeva indoor surf wave. Are you an aspiring astronaut? Spend an afternoon at the Cosmodôme.

Foodie’s paradise

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There are many fine dining options in the central parts of Laval, in the Centropolis and in Carrefour Laval. From pizza to sushi to gourmet burgers and mac 'n cheese, there are plenty of options to keep your Instagram account happening. You’ll also find hidden gems in some of the older parts of Laval – try Le Mitoyen, in Sainte-Dorothée for a gastronomic evening to remember.

It’s affordable

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When compared to the Island of Montreal, housing in Laval is much more affordable. Of course, there are also luxurious areas in Laval, such as Laval-sur-le-Lac.

Third largest city in Quebec

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Laval is the third largest municipality in the Province of Quebec. It’s so big that it actually forms its own administrative region in Quebec. Much like Montreal, Laval is located on an island, Île Jésus, which offers waterfront views from all sides.

Education

Université de MOntréal

There are over 100 schools in Laval, including elementary and high schools, as well as higher education facilities. The University of Montreal has a campus in the Laval-des-Rapides area, which is also home to Collège Montmorency. There are also a handful of private high schools throughout the city.

About Stephanie Boucher

Stephanie Boucher is a twenty-something Montreal native, and a freelance writer for Yellow Pages NextHome. She loves coming across the city’s many hidden gems while on her never-ending hunt for the perfect burger and/or nautical accessories for her wardrobe and her home. In her spare time, Steph can often be found on a sailboat, cooking up a storm, or attempting to stay fit.

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